Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Opening remarks were delivered by Tunceli Governor Şefik Aygöl; Prof. Dr. M. Zeki Durak, President of the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office; Aslı Parmak, representing the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB); Hasan Hüseyin Coşkun, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Tunceli Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and the President of the Tunceli Union of Chambers of Tradesmen and Artisans.

The speakers emphasized that geographical indications are not merely a registration certificate; they are an important development tool for protecting local production, supporting producers, strengthening rural development, passing on traditional knowledge to future generations, and promoting the branding of cities.

- 1.5 years of efforts culminate in registration

As a result of efforts spanning approximately one and a half years, Tunceli Pülümür Underground Salt has been granted a geographical indication registration and is now protected as an important local asset representing the region’s natural resources and long-standing production tradition.

Throughout the process, the primary objectives of the efforts included not only the registration of Tunceli’s local assets but also ensuring the sustainability of production, developing effective monitoring systems, and increasing the products’ added value through appropriate promotion and marketing methods.

During the ceremony, the Tunceli Pülümür Underground Salt Geographical Indication Registration Certificate was presented, and certificates of appreciation were also awarded to individuals and institutions that contributed to the registration process and Tunceli’s geographical indication initiatives.

- Tunceli’s geographical indication-certified products displayed

As part of the program, a special product exhibition was also organized to showcase Tunceli’s geographically indicated and local products.

At the exhibition, the city’s unique products, including Tunceli Pülümür Underground Salt, Tunceli Garlic, Çemişgezek Ulukale Mulberries, Munzur Honey, and Tunceli Şorbik Soup, were presented to visitors alongside their geographical indication registration certificates.

Tunceli Governor Şefik Aygöl, Turkish Patent and Trademark Office President Prof. Dr. M. Zeki Durak, representatives the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB) and local chambers of commerce, along with their delegation, toured the exhibition and examined the products. The exhibition highlighted that Tunceli’s rich product diversity holds significant economic potential spanning production to branding, and gastronomy to tourism.

During a visit to the Tunceli Chamber of Commerce and Industry prior to the program, discussions focused on geographical indication initiatives, Tunceli’s potential for local products, and potential projects for the coming period.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of the registration certificate, the presentation of certificates of appreciation to contributors, a tour of the product exhibition, and a group photo.

Tunceli’s values, spanning nature to the table and tradition to the future, continue to be protected through geographical indications, strengthened by its producers, and promoted throughout Türkiye.